BASIC HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS
Dogs used in biomedical research projects must be in good health and be physiologically consistent. Animals obtained from dealers that breed animals for research (purpose bred) are expected to meet these criteria while animals from shelters or pounds (random source) may not.
Animals obtained from a licensed dealer must have specifications for purchase to include immunizations, parasite status, size and weight.
Animals obtained from shelters should be chosen for apparent health status and disposition. Random source animals must be quarantined and conditioned prior to use since they may have parasites or be in the incubation stage of an infectious disease.